Friday, December 9, 2011

The 12 Tags of Christmas -- Day 9

Tim's tag today so inspired me, I did two versions!  The main feature is a beautiful background technique that involves double heat embossing.  Tim used traditional Christmas colors and the result is really striking.  I went in an entirely different direction.  First, tag #1:



I used a Hero Arts background stamp that I fell in love with during Jennifer McGuire's Inspiration Showcase class a  few months ago.  The inks I chose were old paper and evergreen bough, which gives a more subtle look than the vivid one Tim achieved with the green and red.

Tim's focal image was a candle and candle holder, cut from grungeboard, inked and highlighted with glossy accents.  I used one of the guys from reindeer flight instead.  I got the spots by using that technique where you flick drops of water from your fingers to the inked surface.  The deer is covered with vintage photo and gathered twigs, then glossy accents over everything.


The third element I took from Tim's tag was the use of lots of foliage, cut from varying shades of green.


The idea for my second tag came to me while I was still working on the first one, and I couldn't wait to get going.  It may not look a bit like Tim's, but it does incorporate the three techniques:  the double embossed background, the highlighting grungeboard shapes with glossy accents, and the use of lots of greenery.


The background is a Cornish Heritage Farms stamp of license plates.  I had a somewhat different idea in my head when I stamped it (an idea that didn't work), which is why the license plates are sideways.  I still liked the way the background looked, so I went with it. The sentiment is a Wendy Vecchi stamp.  The old car carrying home a Christmas tree was done with movers and shapers; after inking the car with vintage photo and black soot, I highlighted the tires and headlight with markers, then gave the car the glossy accents treatment.  When it was completely dry I attached the tree to the car with twine.


The house was put together with chipboard shapes I've had lying around forever.  The square was embossed with Tim's bricked folder and then inked with fired brick, aged mahogany, and vintage photo.  On this tag, the greenery took the form of trees behind the house.


There are lots of ways to do snow.  This is what I did here.....I applied some glossy accents (since it was already right in front of me) to wherever I wanted a bit of snow, then covered it with white embossing powder.  When heating it, the still wet glue underneath bubbled up a bit as the powder melted, creating some texture and dimension.  I like the way it looks.

Is tag 9 now my favorite?  Could be......

And now, pardon me, but I have to get on a soap box for a moment and explain one of the many reasons I adore and respect Tim Holtz.  He featured a Hero Arts stamp on his tag and is participating in a blog hop celebrating their new catalog.  Even though he has a signature stamp line with Stampers Anonymous.  Some stamp designers act as though their stamps exist in a universe with no others.  Some stamp companies do the same.  I have always felt there's room for excellence from many sources, and I so appreciate Tim's collegial attitude and willingness to showcase the talents of his peers.....and think of them as peers, not competition.  OK, soap box is put away.







17 comments:

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

These are awesome! I love, love, love, the house and car one. I keep thinking I need a car and tree on one of my tag...ironic! Beautiful work Eileen!!!

Alicia B said...

I love both of these Eileen!! Great Job my friend!! *Hugs*

Nancy Lynn said...

Both of your tags are beautiful Eileen.

Anonymous said...

I so agree with your statement about stamp companies, I was at a card making class and was so impressed by a rep from a company that featured another stamp company and gave them creidt. she knows no one company can do it all that made me want to buy more from her company!!!!!

Helen said...

Love both your tags, but the first one with the reindeer is FAB. And well said you!

Anonymous said...

Both versions are fantastic! The car is so sweet!

Lori said...

Loved the technique on this one, Tim's tag is gorgeous. LOVE your versions. That reindeer is fantastic!

Jingle said...

These are great! I just love the little car with the tree!

Virginia Nebel said...

Beautiful Tags!...Love your 2nd tag with the car and tree on top, very creative!

Liola said...

superrrr!!!

Kathy Eddy said...

These are both fantastic tags Eileen! I have to agree with you about Tim sharing his love and respect for other companies products. Even in his classes, he will mention some that he uses because he likes them. He is such a wonderful, humble man.

craftyM said...

Eileen-
This is almost as fun as following your cruise blog posts!Loving your tag creations and as far as your soap box, I say HERE HERE!!! You are SO correct and I, too, commend Tim for that!
Marita

Tammy D said...

Tag #1 is so my favorite this year! The other tag is super awesome too. What fun!

Cheryl said...

Eileen your tags have been great. BTW - congrats on the win from Tim.

Sue said...

Love both tags, but I'm especially drawn to your second one. I may have to steal your house idea for a future project!

I'm with you on Tim and his using things from other companies and giving credit. Also love that he's about "do your own thing" and don't make it exactly like mine. So many designers want you to do it just. like. their. example. Not our Tim!! LOVE HIM!

Unknown said...

that is totally stunning! I absolutely love that reindeer!

sara j said...

These are fabulous...really striking and CONGRATULATIONS. Winning is always fun. I have become seriously addicted to these tags...what fun.